Michelle, sitting on the carpeted
library floor, closed tired eyes, leaned back against the half empty bookshelf
and listened to the sounds around her. Somewhere in the library a printer
whirred; the doors beeped a someone entered and exited; and feet shuffled over
the carpet as patrons moved from aisle to aisle. Right beside her, in a small
section of the Kid's Corner designated for smaller children, Toby sat, cooed and
shook his favorite toy in contentment. The combination of the subtle noises coud
not blot out the patter of rain against the building's windows and
roof.

Fair brows were drawn in concentration. Michelle listened to
each sound, seperating them and hoping they would drown out the uneven beat of
her heart. Fear, anger, and regret made the organ thump with purpose against her
ribcage. It should have hurt, but things were beyond pain. It was agony, and in
the mist of it, her body betrayed her, forgetting its usually smooth
movements--moving jerkily one moment and slowly as if through mud the next. Even
her insides felt cold and foreign as if they did not belong.

Silently, the blonde brought legs that felt like lead up to her
chest and wrapped her arms around her knees. Through it all, her mind was alert
and aware of life continuing around her as well as the possible ceasation of her
own carefully structured existence. Michelle swallowed hard and rubbed trembling
hands over her jean clad legs. She wanted to cry, but the tears would not come.
They're coming for me. I knew they would. It was only a matter of time, and
I don't know if I'm more scared or angry. I have a life now, and I can't abandon
it for Toby's sake and for mine. They would win. The petite woman snorted
inwardly. Maybe either way they'll win, but not like this. She opened
her eyes and glanced at her son. No, not like this. He deserves this life
and so do I. I can't hide. There must be something we can do. Her thoughts
turned to Bobbi. She looked more scared than I was, but of all people I
thought she would understand why I can't run from this.

Maybe I would have a couple months ago, but not now. It's
time to make a stand. I knew that it was time as soon as the words came out of
her mouth. It has to end, and I will do whatever I have to do to be the one
standing. I can't take anymore of that life. That Michelle is dead. I know that
just as sure as I'm sitting here. Somehow, some way, I have to fight for Toby,
for my life with Bobbi, for everything. I don't understand why she can't see
that. Michelle ran a hand through her shoulder length hair. The appendage
returned to rest at the bridge of her nose where fingertips squeezed in hopes of
relieving the tension that coiled around her head like a tight band. To top
it all off, we had our first argument. Michelle sucked in a shaky breath.
"Please God, help Bobbi to understand. I need her. I can't lose her. I can't,"
she muttered. The regret trodded to the forefront as she recalled the heated
words they exchanged.

Toby sat on his mother's naked thighs, but somehow the
toddler was able to reach the water anyway. Michelle chuckled as she watched
him splash and make waves in the warm bath water. With sure hands, she kept
hold of his slippery naked body as they lounged in the bathtub. Having
finished washing long ago, it was now time for play and closeness. It was
during these times that as a mother, Michelle could see the changes and
growth in her child from size to the awareness now gleaming in blue-green
eyes. "Being here is so good for you," the blonde thought.

Michelle laid back against the cold tile happily as Toby
squealed and squirmed in delight. It was early yet, giving them time to
dawdle, but as the water started to cool, the blonde extricated them both to
avoid catching a chill. Wrapped in towels, they made their way back to the
bedroom. The petite blonde pushed open the door to see the tall doctor
standing there with her back to them. Broad shoulders were slumped, and the
brunette's lanky body seemed to sag. Taz stood at her side. He whimpered as
if he could feel the tension. "Bobbi? What's wrong?"

Bobbi turned around slowly, and Michelle was immediately
stricken by the fear etched in sculpted features. Her heart dropped to her
stomach, and a single audible breath whooshed out, sounding more like a
pained whimper. The blonde tightened her hold on her son and took a
tentative step forward, knowing something was terribly wrong. "Bobbi?
Wha--?"

Michelle stopped mid stride. Her eyes widened and her
mouth fell open, but neither worked properly. The blonde's vision tipped and
blurred, and her mouth open and shut, emitting no coherent sound. The last
few months flashed before her eyes in rapid succession. She saw the
beginning, and suddenly, Michelle could see the end. A pained keening sound
exited her throat, and before the blonde could realize what was happening,
strong arms engulfed her.

"They. . .know?" Michelle croaked.

Bobbi squeezed the blonde, careful of the now whimpering
baby. "No, um, she said that she was the only one who knew. She was warning
us. She seems to think that it's a matter of time. Men have been hired to
look, Chelle and look hard." With each word, the doctor's voice trembled as
did her body. "God, we've got to get outta here."

Michelle held onto the doctor's lanky form for dear
life. Under her ear, she felt the incredibly fast beat of the brunette's
heart as well as each intake of raspy breath. The sounds and the feel of the
woman around her was life personified, and to go back meant destruction.
"I-I can't go back," the blonde uttered huskily.

"No, you can't. We'll get away from here. There's gotta
be somewhere we can hide until this blows over," Bobbi
added.

Bile rushed up into the blonde's throat. 'Hide? I can't
hide anymore. I'll never stop hiding, never stop running because they'll
always be looking,' an inner voice whispered. The squirming child caught her
attention. 'That's no way for him to live. I have to fight this. There's got
to be some way. . .' she said to herself. "I can't---"

Misunderstanding, Bobbi went on, "I know. We'll pack
some clothes and get some money together like the plan we had a while back.
We can take the Caddy--"

Michelle fought free of the embrace and stepped back
until her back brushed against the door. "No! I can't go. We can't go," she
finished with a whisper.

Green met blue and silence stretched between them.
Different levels of fear and determination clashed, thickening the air
around them. Michelle stared into pale blue eyes, seeing the lost expression
spilling from them. Arms that were holding her seconds before, still
lingered in the air. The doctor's large hands clenched at the emptiness
before falling limply at her side. Bobbi took a stop forward. "I can't lose
you. Either one of you." Her lips trembled as she spoke and azure eyes
shined with unshed tears. "We have to go. Don't you understand?" The doctor
pleaded. "My life would be shit."

Michelle swallowed and shook her head vehemently. Almost
a year ago, she gathered the strength to leave, now as she stood there, she
gathered the courage to make a stand. "We can't. What kind of life would
that be for Toby? For you? Your life is here with this practice. My life is
here. Can't you see that? We have to think--"

"What kind of life?! At least we'll be living! What does
it matter how we live?" The brunette's face flushed in fear and sudden
anger. "You're not making any sense! Think about this. This doesn't sound
like you! Think about what it could mean for Toby and for you. He could kill
next time he hits you!"

"I am, and it is me! It's who I've become, and if we run
now, we'll always be running. They'll never stop unless I make them stop! I
won't let anyone walk all over me again!" Michelle's voice rose along with
her determination. Her chest heaved with every breath and her heart
threatened to beat out of her chest.

Bobbi's hands clenched into fist. "How are you going to
do that?!" She husked.

"I don't know! But together, we should be able to come
up with something---"

The doctor threw her hands up in the air. "Listen to
yourself, Chelle! Someone could find out tomorrow, today or even in an hour
who you are! We don't have the time!"

"Then, we make the time! Listen--"

"No, you listen!" Bobbi stopped and took several deep
breaths. "Listen, I know you're scared, but you have to listen to reason. Us
leaving is the only way, and for your own good, I'll force you if I have to
Chelle. It's for your own good," she repeated. Her voice was soft, pleading,
but desperate.

Michelle was momentarily struck dumb by the words. Never
did she expect to hear them from the doctor's mouth. 'For your own good,'
she had heard her mother say that many times, and Michelle knew about force,
Max Jr. had made the introductions a long time ago. "Then, you're no better
than they are," the words fell from her mouth. Michelle watched as the
emotions chased themselves across the doctor's face from confusion, anger,
resolve to recognition.

She moved the now crying baby to the other hip and took
a few steps forward. They were inches apart. The blonde reached out a hand
an brushed from cheek to chin with gentle fingertips. "After over twenty
years, I am finally living. I was dead before, Bobbi. I won't allow them to
kill me all over again. If we run, they'll do that slowly but surely to me
and Toby. I have to fight this whatever way I can. If it gets to the courts,
I'll expose them for the animals they are, but I won't run. Don't ask me
too. Don't take it away from me. I know what's good for me, and this is the
right thing to do. I want this life, Bobbi. I want this life with you just
the way it is. Have faith in me. Fight with me?"

Bobbi leaned into the touch as the tears started to
spill from her eyes. She squeezed them shut then opened them slowly,
revealing pain and desperation. "There's nothing I can say is
there?"

Michelle did not answer but held the blue gaze with her
own.

"I-I don't know, Chelle. I'm so scared. I just. . .God.
I have to get out of here. I can't think." The brunette stepped away from
the caress. "I'm just---" She shook her head, and without another word, left
the room.

Michelle's arm fell to her side. She stood stock still
as the foundation of the life she worked to build started to crack around
her.

Michelle wrapped her arms around her torso, remembering the
chill that permeated the room after the doctor left it. I thought I knew
what it was to be alone. I don't think I really knew until now. It's like being
yanked from a smoldering fire and being put into the cold dark night. I
understand that she's scared for us, but she has to be able to see my side of
things. I don't think I can do this without her. The blonde tilted her head
upward to stare up at the ceiling. And to think all this time since I've
been gone, I've been getting help from the most unsuspected place. Beatrice. She
always seemed so remote. The only time she showed any emotion was when Toby was
around. Still, what kind of woman raises a son like that? I wonder does she know
what he did to me? Why on earth is she doing this now? Michelle let out a
long sigh. No answers were forthcoming.

She looked down as something brushed against her leg. Without a
thought, the petite woman picked up the slobber riddled keys that her son had
thrown and handed them back. Toby lunged gratefully and let out an excited
gurgle. "Gaa!" Michelle smiled despite her somber thoughts.

"Here you go, Peanut." Her insides clenched with emotion as a
sob escaped from somewhere deep down. Still sniffing, she turned to Toby. "She
loves you, you know. So why doesn't she get it? Why?"

Toby blinked at his mother then shoved the keys back into his
mouth. Michelle chuckled through the tears that threatened to fall. "Yeah, me
either." Maybe I should have stayed and tried to talk to her more, but I
just had to get out of there. There were too many memories, too many feelings. I
couldn't breathe.

***

Annie leaned against a convenient shelf and watched her friend
from several feet away. She waited until the younger blonde quieted before
making her presence known. Then, with definate purpose she strolled toward the
younger woman. Jewelry jingled as she walked, alerting Michelle to another
person close by. Michelle looked up and blinked as the clerk stood before her in
fuschia glory. "Hey," she whispered.

Annie didn't pull any punches. "Something's happened hasn't
it?"

Michelle released an ungraceful snort. "I think that would
qualify as an understatement. I could lose everything, including Bobbi, and I
don't think I could take that. In fact, I know it. She's become so much to
me."

Annie grunted as she kneeled and folded her body to the floor,
finding a place right beside her friend. "I don't understand, Jo. Everything
seemed to be going fine. How could you lose everything?"

Michelle sighed deeply. This is a lie that I need to
correct. She's been a good friend. "I don't know where to start." She added
as she turned her head toward the clerk.

"Start from wherever you feel comfortable."

Michelle reached out grasping the other woman's hand. "You've
been a good friend, and I know a friendship shouldn't start out with a lie. But,
ours did. I want to correct that now if you'll let me?" She looked deep into the
older woman's eyes, seeing patience and wisdom there.

Annie nodded slowly. "I picked up on that a long time ago." She
shrugged. "I just figured you would tell me when you were ready."

"I'm ready, and I probably need your advice right now more than
ever."

"Go on. I'm here for you," the clerk added.

"Um, my name's not Jo. It's Michelle, and that's only the
beginning." She paused. "I'm here because of a snow storm, but I stayed because
of Bobbi. I'm running, Annie, and I've been running for a long time from my
husband and my family. But, it's time to stop now."

Annie canted her head to the side. "He hurt you didn't he?" She
squeezed the hand in hers.

Michelle swallowed. "Every time he could and as much as
possible. My mother wasn't any different except she used words." Her voice was
hollow and emotionless.

"And you had the courage to leave. I knew there was something
about you."

"Toby gave me the courage to leave. If he hadn't been born, I
don't know where I would be right now," Michelle mumbled, wiping away the
compliment.

"Mmm, and this thing about you losing everything? You think
they're coming after you?"

"I think they're getting closer, yes." Michelle took a deep
breath. "And Bobbi wants me to do something I can no longer do."

Annie smiled sadly. "She means a lot to you doesn't
she?"

Michelle sniffed back the tears that suddenly threatened. "I-I
know it sounds cliche, but there are no words for what she means to me. My life
just wouldn't be the same without her. She listens to me. She makes me feel
things, and she understands--" Her gaze drops to her free hand laying clench in
her lap. ". . .at least I thought she did. She wants us to run, Annie, and I
can't do it anymore. That wouldn't be living at all. I thought that was one of
the things we learned together. Let them come. I think I'm ready to fight now
that I have something to fight for."

"Do you know what you're gonna do?" The clerk asked.

Michelle shook her head. "No, no I don't, and I need her because
I think together we can come up with something to end this. I won't run for the
rest of my life. I won't!"

Annie rubbed the younger woman's forearms, hoping to comfort her
in some small way. "Shhh, I hear you, but Bobbi is scared. She's very scared
from the sound of things, and this is a natural reaction. I imagine she's
thinking the same way you are that she has so much to protect and live for now.
She doesn't want to lose that. She's seen these monsters through you eyes only,
and what you've shown her has made a lasting impression. You can't fault her for
this--"

"No," Michelle interrupted. "You should have heard her. It was
almost scary she was going to force me, and it was like I was back there again
with them."

"But you weren't. You weren't." Annie squeezed Michelle's hand
for emphasis. "And she's not them, and could never be. She's afraid, and
sometimes fear can be paralyzing enough to change who you are for even an
instant."

"I can understand that, Annie. Really, I can." Michelle growled
in frustration. No, she isn't him, and her heart is too big and too good for
her to ever be cruel to me.

Annie inched closer to her friend. "Look at you so strong and
ready to fight for what you have. What Bobbi is feeling is the other side of the
same coin. Give her time to think about this."

Michelle found herself leaning on the clerk's shoulder. "I hear
you, and I'll try. But when she walked out of that bedroom it felt like part of
me went missing." I don't like that feeling, and I don't ever want to
experience it again.

The petite blonde stiffened. I hope she can forgive me for
not telling the truth. "Um, are we okay?"

"Hmm?" Annie glanced down, seeing a cap of blonde hair. "Oh, you
mean. . . ?" She raised a hand and gestured for emphasis. "Sure we are. We all
have our secrets, and if you had chosen not to tell me, I still would be here
for you."

"God, I am so glad I came to the library that day. It seems like
a lifetime ago. In a way, it was."

Annie nodded and reached for the keys that landed in her lap.
"You could be right about that." The clerk shook away the slobber and handed
them back to the excited toddler. "So, you up to reading to the kids
today?"

"Yeah, I think I need to. It'll keep my mind off things. I would
go home to talk to Bobbi, but she left before I did. There was a note too. She's
out on housecalls."

"Well, there's nothing like a book to take your mind off things.
The kids should be coming in soon, and I'll take the little munchkin off your
hands." Toby crawled toward the clerk. Her eyes widened. "Um, when did that
happen?" She pointed in Toby's direction, making her bracelets clang.

Michelle smiled. "Just yesterday. You should have seen him. I
was so proud, so was Bo--" Her stomach clenched painfully. "I have to fix this
between us, Annie. Things just don't feel right, you know? Inside." She pointed
to her belly.

"I know, but as long as you believe things will work out you've
gotten half way there already."

"Yeah." They both looked up as a little boy and his mother
entered the area. Michelle pushed herself up from the floor and dusted off her
behind. "I hope you're right," Michelle whispered to the clerk, who was in the
process of scooping up her son.

***

Bobbi pulled the jeep into the Morningside Cemetery parking lot.
It was empty except for a couple of cars and a beat up truck. A huge, fancy iron
gate twisted and loomed in front of her, she looked past it and the raindrops
that splattered the windshield to stare out at the sea of green grass and
headstones, hoping to find some point to concentrate on so her mind could just
be still. A million thoughts raced through her head, and they all centered
around the petite blonde. The doctor pushed the still damp bangs off her
forehead and sucked in a deep breath. I fucked up royally. I shouldn't have
walked out on her like that. What the hell is wrong with me? Fear is one thing
but stupidity is another. That was way stupid. She needed me, and I let her
down. My God, the look on her face nearly tore my heart out. She said I was like
them. Am I? I just want them safe. I can't lose them. They've become my life.
With the threat of losing them, I just couldn't think straight. Bobbi
swallowed. She felt hollow on the inside as if she were almost empty. I
guess I am. I left all that mattered back at the house.

Bobbi placed her elbows on top of the steering wheel and leaned
on them. "I just left her," she whispered. Jumbled emotions that were close the
surface snared her, leaving her the prisoner of a combination of sadness,
regret, confusion and uncertainty. Her stomach fluttered, and she grabbed it
hoping to keep her insides in place. "I'm a total asshole. Maybe I am no better
than the asshole she escaped from." The brunette
reared back in the car seat. Tears threatened, but Bobbi squeezed her eyes
closed tightly to keep them at bay. I helped put myself in this situation.
She glanced back out at the cemetery. Why the hell am I here of all
places? I'm supposed to be out seeing patients. "I know why I'm here so I
need to just get out and face it. It may just help with this mess." The doctor
sighed and pulled the collar of the old blue trenchcoat up around her neck. A
second later she opened the door and darted out into the cool rain toward the
gate.

The brunette slicked her hair back, sending it in lovely
disarray down her back. "Thank God, it's just sprinkling now." She cut through
well worn dirt paths glancing at the frest cut flowers that adorned some graves.
The slight wind whisked against their petals, releasing perfume. The fragrance
wafted toward her hidden in the rain. I should have brought you flowers,
Dad. Guess I'm just not thinking straight today.

Bobbi's heartbeat doubled as she neared her destination. The
headstone stood tall, defiant. The rain glanced off as if it was repelled. There
were no flowers, no frills, no adornments of anykind just a stone that read
Peter Waszinski, Beloved Healer. Bobbi blinked excess moisture out of her eyes.
"I guess I should have put Beloved Father there after all, huh dad? But I didn't
know then what I know now, and I didn't want you to go to the next world wrapped
in a lie." She continued to stare as if waiting for an appearance or an answer.
God, what am I doing? He's dead.

The raven haired doctor made up her mind to go on anyway. It
doesn't keep me from talking to mom or Stevie. I heard somewhere that the dead
can hear our thoughts. "Um, it's me, your little girl, Bobbi." She shoved
her hands deep into her coat pockets, pulling it taut around her lanky body. "I,
uh, really don't know why I'm doing this. I just felt compelled to come here.
The funny thing is I don't have anyone else to talk to." She shrugged. "I don't
know. In times like these, I usually think about what mom would say, but
something just led me here. Weird, huh?" Bobbi kicked at a leaf that the wind
blew on Timberland boots.

"The funny thing is that I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for
Michelle, so I guess you could say that she's instrumental in leading me here. I
guess you need to know who Michelle is, huh?" Bobbi husked. "She's my best
friend, dad. She's also the woman in my life, and I think I messed up. We're
good at that you and me. Maybe that's why I came to you." Bobbi pulled a hand
out of her pocket and wiped away the wetness on her face. "I know a lot more
about you now. I went to Josh, and he told me so much it had my head spinning.
You loved us, dad, but you just didn't know how to show us did you?"

"I was going down the same path, but Michelle steered me right.
Now, when she needs me most I wanted to run away. How stupid is that? They're my
family, dad. She has this little boy who's just stolen my heart right out of my
chest, and there's the dog. It would take me years to explain him." Bobbi rolled
her eyes at the thought. She cleared her throat. "The truth is that I'm scared.
I'm petrified really. I can't lose them, and just the thought of Max getting
hold of them again makes me think bloody murder. I won't get into the Max thing
right now, but let's just say it's not good, not good at all. But, Michelle is
something else. She's a very special woman, so strong. She's grown so much, and
I have too. I just didn't want it all to be for nothing. Chelle wants to stay
and fight. She says she's tired of running, but I don't understand why she can't
see what she's putting in jeopardy. I can feel it all caving in on me, dad. I
mean, if we run this could all blow over in time. Don't you think?"

She paused, listening to the soft wind, the patter of the rain,
and the beat of her own heart. "We'll still have each other. That's what counts
isn't it? What could be--" A hard gust of wind stole Bobbi's breath and whipped
her hair and trenchcoat around her. She swayed slightly before righting herself.
Wet strands of midnight clung to her neck and cheeks. She shook them loose and
pushed them back with an errant hand. "Am I looking at this the wrong way? I
know I shouldn't have left her. I just need to slow down and think. What's
important to her?" Bobbi squinted against the rain as she looked past the
headstones, past the cloudy skyline into nothingness. As if her memories of the
past seven months were on video tape, the doctor rewound them. Moments, the
petite blonde and her shared, flashed in her mind. The doctor staggered forward
suddenly. She put her hands out to balance herself. "Oh God, I really am an
idiot. She said I was the only one to ever listen to her. This time, I didn't
listen did I?"

Bobbi covered her face with her hands to hold back the sob.
"What does she stand to lose?" The brunette muffled. "The woman she's becoming.
The woman she can be proud of; the mother Toby can be proud of. She needs to do
this doesn't she? To be that woman, she needs to stand up to them. That's it
isn't it, dad? That's what she was trying to tell me, and she was asking me to
help. She was asking me to believe in her. Instead, I let my fear get the best
of me." Except for the sounds of nature, silence surrounded her.

I'm so sorry, Chelle. I'm still so afraid, but you need
me. Bobbi closed her eyes and tilted her face upward toward the sprinkling
rain, letting the drops splash against her countenance. It was a baptism of
sorts reminding her of the life that used that was borne into the fears and
triumphs of her life today. I'm here, Chelle. It has to be that simple. I'm
scared, but I'm here. She glanced back down at the grave with a new resolve
schooling chiseled features. "I know what I need to do, dad." Something inside
her clicked into place, and it felt right, extremely right. "We have to come up
with something, even if we have to get the whole damn town to help." A kernel of
hope and confidence blossomed.

For long minutes, she didn't utter another word. Then, her head
canted to the side. "You know, this is the most we've ever talked? I'm sorry I
haven't come out here since the funeral. In my mind, I didn't have a reason, but
I did. Didn't I? I'm glad I realized that, and I'm very happy I came today.
You're a good listener. Um, I was gonna bring, Chelle with me, but next time for
sure. You'll like her." Bobbi let out a sigh of relief as the rain began to
stop. It's clearing up in more ways than one.

Her thoughts went to the past. "Did you miss them, dad? I did,
and I still do. They were all I had. I didn't know I could have you. Maybe if I
had tried harder--no I'm not gonna go there." She shoved her hands back into her
pockets. "Despite it all, I still loved you. Thank you for accepting me, for
being proud of me, and for listening. I guess it was never too late." She
sniffed and looked up into the still gray skies. "Next time I'll bring flowers.
I gotta go now. I have a mess to fix, and patients to see."

With death at her back, Bobbi moved forward to further partake
of her new life. Once she reached the jeep, the doctor pulled open the door and
stripped the trenchcoat from her body, revealing relatively dry Levi's and a red
button down cotton tee. She threw the coat into the passenger seat and climbed
in only to reach for her bag to search for the cell phone. It could go a
long way if I talk to her now. Bobbi decided to check the library before
calling home.

After the third ring, a familiar voice met her ear. "Ivanhoe
Library. How can I help you?"

Bobbi swored she could hear the woman's jewelry clanging in the
background. "Um, Annie?"

The blonde clerk raised an eyebrow as she leaned over the desk.
"Yes, this is she. How may I help you?"

"This is, uh, Bobbi. Is Jo still there?" Maybe she was too
hurt to go out.

"Oh hi!" The woman's voice brightened. "And don't you mean,
Michelle? You missed her by about twenty minutes."

The doctor looked at her watch. Was I out there that long? I
guess so.Oh my God, what did she just say? " You know? Did she,
ah, seem okay?" The brunette asked hesitantly.

"Well, let's just say she has a lot on her mind, and most of it
involves you. We did talk though, and I think that helped."

Bobbi sighed. "I know. I just--well, I messed up. But, I want to
fix it. Thank you for being there to listen to her. She must really trust you.
That's important to her."

Bobbi pushed the end button and took several deep breaths. She
could feel her hands sweating. Why am I so nervous about this? Maybe because
it seems like ages since I've talked to her. "Okay, here goes."

After the fourth ring, the doctor was about to hang up when she
was greeted by a breathless, "Hello?"

"Um, hey," Bobbi said shyly.

An awkward silence stretched between them.

Michelle adjusted the baby on her hip and sat down on the couch.
For the first time in a long while, I don't know what to say to her.
She looked at the Husky helplessly. Taz whimpered and stared
back.

God, I don't know what to say. "Ah, I'm not
interrupting anything am I? You sounded kinda winded." Way to go,B. Perfect
seguay.

The blonde let out a long breath. "I was just on the computer,
trying to get my mind off things for a little while."

Bobbi moved the phone from her left ear to the right. I
shouldn't beat around the bush here. "Listen, Chelle. I'm sorry that I
didn't listen to you. It took some soul searching, but I realized what this
means to you."

Michelle's breath caught audibly, and somewhere deep inside, a
light came back on. Thank you. Thank you. "I- I don't know what to
say." She couldn't keep the emotion from her voice.

"You don't have to say anything. I'm coming home so we can
talk." Warmth and need oozed from her voice. Already, the doctor could visualize
holding her, touching her. Her body missed it. She missed it.

The blonde could feel the connection between them zing through
the telephone line. She shivered. Still, she asked, "You're done
already?"

Bobbi chuckled guiltily. "Uhm, no I haven't even started. I only
had a couple of patients I wanted to go see--"

"Go see them," Michelle interrupted. "I'll be at home waiting
for you. I'm not going anywhere."

The brunette closed her eyes and smiled. "Those are the best
words I've heard all day."

Out of habit, Michelle bit her lip. "I know what you mean. So, I
guess I'll see you in a little bit." She breathed a sigh of relief as the
missing piece she felt slowly slid back in place. Nothing feels right in my
world without her in it.

"Yeah, you will." Bobbi looked back out at the cemetery.
Thanks again, dad.

Bobbi peered at the phone, turning it over in her hands, as if
it held some kind of magic. After a seconds more perusal, she stuck it back in
her bag, noticing that her hands were shaking. The doctor swallowed the fear
gripping her. "I have to believe that we can do this. I have to."

Hope you enjoyed this little update. More to come real soon. Let
me hear from you atMinerva